Local dignitaries react to Coble's retirement news

By Molly McGowan / Times-News

Published: Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 08:57 PM.

Several local Republican officials elected to represent Alamance County – and those who covered politics years ago – can remember when U.S. Rep. Howard Coble first took a role in Congress, and tout him as one of the most dedicated public servants they know.

“He’s been an extraordinary legislator with a focus on constituent service,” Sen. Rick Gunn, R-Alamance, said Thursday. “He’s always taken care of his voters and taxpayers.”

Coble is currently serving his 15th term in Congress, and announced Tuesday it would be his last.

Representative Steve Ross, R-Alamance, remembers when Coble first ran for the seat.

“I remember working on his first campaign” in the mid-1980s, Ross said. “It was back at the time when that seat seemed to turn over fairly often.”

Ross recalled Coble’s win being close, but “Once he was elected, he never looked back because he won by a landslide every time.”

He said Coble’s longevity in Congress was a testament to his dedication and service, but he wasn’t surprised at Coble’s announcement Thursday.

Several local Republican officials elected to represent Alamance County – and those who covered politics years ago – can remember when U.S. Rep. Howard Coble first took a role in Congress, and tout him as one of the most dedicated public servants they know.

“He’s been an extraordinary legislator with a focus on constituent service,” Sen. Rick Gunn, R-Alamance, said Thursday. “He’s always taken care of his voters and taxpayers.”

Coble is currently serving his 15th term in Congress, and announced Tuesday it would be his last.

Representative Steve Ross, R-Alamance, remembers when Coble first ran for the seat.

“I remember working on his first campaign” in the mid-1980s, Ross said. “It was back at the time when that seat seemed to turn over fairly often.”

Ross recalled Coble’s win being close, but “Once he was elected, he never looked back because he won by a landslide every time.”

He said Coble’s longevity in Congress was a testament to his dedication and service, but he wasn’t surprised at Coble’s announcement Thursday.

“I was aware of his illness with his back,” said Ross, who has first-hand experience back problems. “It will slow you down.”

Gunn was slightly surprised about the news, though he’s happy Coble is leaving “on his own terms.”

“I really thought he would run,” Gunn said. “I certainly would continue to support his candidacy if he sought re-election.”

“I’m sorry to see him go,” said Don Bolden, editor emeritus of the Times-News and Coble’s long-time friend. But, Bolden said, “I think he deserves some time away from that rat race.”

Bolden and Coble go back many decades, when Bolden was in Coble’s aunt’s high school class. Coble’s aunt was Bolden’s adviser for the newspaper staff at Burlington High School, and spurred Bolden into pursuing a journalism career.

“She asked that Howard and I speak at her funeral,” Bolden said.

Though he knew Coble on a personal level, Bolden respected the congressman on the political level, as well.

“He’s a guy that’s thoroughly enjoyed what he’s (done),” said Bolden, who added that Coble was always about serving the people – and never the other way around.

“He never participated in the retirement program,” Bolden said. “He didn’t think it was proper. He was there to serve the people.”

Jim Wicker, retired Times-News reporter, also knew Coble professionally, having followed and covered his politics “from the time he became a congressman until the time I retired.”

“I just enjoyed talking to him,” Wicker said.

Though he’s optimistic about whoever will succeed the congressman, Wicker said, “He’s got big shoes (to fill) for sure.” He said, “Howard was always … trying to do what was best for North Carolina and the people of this district.”